Last seen in Kabir Singh (2019), which turned out to be his career’s biggest blockbuster, Bollywood superstar Shahid Kapoor is presently busy promoting his upcoming release Jersey, which has faced numerous delays in hitting theatres due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The actor dropped the second trailer of the film on Monday ahead of its release on April 14. Jersey, which is the official remake of the successful Telugu film of the same name, is set to clash with two much-awaited south films – KGF – Chapter 2 and Beast – upon its release on April 14. While KGF – Chapter 2 stars Yash, Beast has Vijay in the lead role.
Talking to a publication, Kapoor opened up about the big box office clash and said, “The fact that we are releasing means that we feel it a good time to release. Otherwise, we wouldn't have. The fact that they are releasing, feels like a good time for them. So, I guess, if you put the two things together there is enough space for different movies.”
Shahid confessed that he is a fan of Tamil superstar Vijay and also wished Yash good luck for KGF 2. “I am a huge Vijay star (fan) and I love his movies. He is a great dancer and I have a soft spot for good dancing. I am sure Beast is going to be a fantastic film but that is slightly for a different market. I don't think there is that much overlapping happening there,” Kapoor said.
He continued, “KGF 2 is a sequel to a film that people have really loved. So wishing Rocky Bhai all the best. It is a different genre, a big action, edgy kind of film and ours is an emotional sports film with family and a message. So, I think we all have our own space and it's a great day. There are four holidays and there is enough space in theatres for all the films and all of them should do well. It's a great thing that big films are coming together. We should look at it in a positive manner.”
Jersey also stars Mrunal Thakur and Pankaj Kapur in important roles.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.